When the sun’s out and the pool is calling, there’s no better way to elevate your summer fun than with a few poolside drinks and some competitive spirit. But what if you’re short on gear? Fear not! Welcome to the world of swimming pool drinking games for adults—where the only equipment you need is a drink and a splash of competitive spirit. Let’s dive into fun and hilarious pool drinking games without equipment and enjoy an outdoor poolside bash.
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Why Choose No Equipment Pool Drinking Games?
The Simplicity Factor
There’s something refreshing about games that don’t need a laundry list of supplies. With no equipment to worry about, you can focus entirely on having fun. These games are straightforward, easy to understand, and even easier to jump into, making them ideal for any pool party scenario.
Inclusivity and Accessibility
No one likes to sit on the sidelines. No equipment games are inclusive, meaning everyone can join in, from the most athletic to those who just want to chill in the water. These games level the playing field, ensuring everyone has a good time.
Perfect for Last-Minute Parties
Spontaneity is the spice of life, and these games are the perfect seasoning. Whether your pool party was planned weeks in advance or just happened on a whim, no equipment games are ready when you are. No prep, no fuss—just instant fun.
Top 10 Pool Drinking Games Without Equipment
1. Marco Polo Twist: Adding Drinks and Challenges
Marco Polo is a classic pool game, but with a drinking game twist, it becomes an epic party favorite. This version keeps the fun going as players splash, sip, and try to outsmart each other in the pool.
- Game Setup: One player is designated as “Marco,” with eyes closed, while the others spread out in the pool, ready to dodge and weave as they respond to Marco’s calls.
- Objective: “Marco” tries to tag players by following their “Polo” responses. The others aim to avoid getting caught.
- Drink Rule: If “Marco” tags someone, they drink. If “Marco” misses in 3 rounds, they drink. Roles switch after each tag.
- Variation: For a “Speed Round,” players can only move for 10 seconds after each “Marco” call. If no one is tagged in 3 rounds, “Marco” drinks twice.
This game blends strategy, stealth, and plenty of splashes, making it a must-play at your next pool party.
2. Chicken Fight Showdown: The Battle Royale Edition
Chicken Fight is a pool party staple, but with a drinking game twist, it’s even better. For added fun, turn it into a tournament-style “Battle Royale,” with winners advancing to face new challengers.
- Game Setup: Teams of two (one sitting on the other’s shoulders) prepare for battle.
- Objective: Push the opposing team into the water while staying upright.
- Drink Rule: The losing team takes a drink after each round.
- Variation: For larger groups, create a bracket system where winners advance and losers drink their way back into the game.
This game combines strength, balance, and strategy, with plenty of laughs as players try to maintain their balance while sipping their drinks.
3. Synchronized Sipping: The Poolside Talent Show
Transform your pool into an aquatic stage with Synchronized Sipping. Divide into teams, and create a short synchronized swimming routine, complete with sips of your drink at designated points.
- Game Setup: Split into teams and spend a few minutes planning a synchronized swimming routine.
- Objective: Perform the routine with perfect synchronization, including taking sips at pre-planned moments.
- Drink Rule: Each missed sip or unsynchronized move requires an extra sip for the team.
- Variation: Add a judging panel (made up of other players) to score each routine based on creativity, difficulty, and execution. Losers take extra drinks.
Synchronized Sipping is as much about creativity as it is about skill, making it perfect for those who love a bit of flair in their pool games.
4. Pool Pong Without the Table: Float and Fire
Beer Pong meets the pool in this floating version of the classic drinking game. Forget the table—players hold or float their cups while trying to toss a ping pong ball into the opponent’s cup. If the ball lands in a cup, the opposing team drinks. Without the stability of a table, this game is all about balance and aim, making it a splashy good time.
- Game Setup: Two teams float in the pool, holding cups (preferably plastic) filled with drinks.
- Objective: Toss the ping pong ball into the opposing team’s cups.
- Drink Rule: When a ball lands in a cup, the opposing team drinks the contents of that cup.
- Variation: Use inflatable rafts to hold the cups, adding a layer of difficulty as the rafts float unpredictably. You can also introduce trick shots, like bouncing the ball off the pool’s edge before it lands in a cup.
This game challenges your hand-eye coordination and balance, especially as the drinks start to kick in.
5. Swim and Sip Relay: The Splash and Dash
Combine swimming speed with drinking skill in this relay race. Add variations to keep things interesting, like swimming backward or doing underwater flips!
- Game Setup: Divide into teams and line up at one end of the pool.
- Objective: Swim from one end of the pool to the other, then take a sip before tagging the next teammate.
- Drink Rule: Every player must take a sip after their lap before the next swimmer can start.
- Variation: Introduce special laps, such as doggy paddling, swimming backward, or even underwater flips before taking a sip.
This game is all about speed, teamwork, and precision, with a splash of fun added in every sip.
6. Popsicle with a Twist: The Freeze and Drink Challenge
Popsicle is a poolside twist on freeze tag, but with a cool drinking rule. The twist? Once unfrozen, the rescued player and their rescuer both take a drink.
- Game Setup: Choose one player to be “It,” and let the rest scatter around the pool.
- Objective: Avoid being tagged and frozen by “It.”
- Drink Rule: Frozen players can only be unfrozen if another player takes a sip of their drink underwater. Once unfrozen, both players take another sip.
- Variation: Add an extra twist by requiring unfrozen players to complete a small challenge, like doing a spin or splash before rejoining the game.
This game keeps everyone on the move and encourages teamwork, with plenty of opportunities for fun and laughter.
7. Underwater Charades: Guess and Guzzle
Charades get a whole new twist when played underwater. This game combines the challenge of charades with the hilarity of underwater communication.
- Game Setup: One player dives underwater and acts out a word or phrase, while others guess from above the surface.
- Objective: Correctly guess the word or phrase being acted out.
- Drink Rule: Every incorrect guess means the guesser must take a sip of their drink before guessing again.
- Variation: Add a time limit for each round to increase the pressure. If no one guesses correctly within the time, the actor takes a sip too.
Underwater Charades is a fun, creative game that turns the usual pool activities into a laugh-filled guessing game.
8. Floating Race with Sips: The Balance Challenge
Ready for a floating race with a twist? This game tests your balance, endurance, and ability to keep your drink down as you race to the finish line.
- Game Setup: Players start at one end of the pool, floating on their backs or on inflatables.
- Objective: Race to the other end of the pool without tipping over or falling off your float.
- Drink Rule: Every time a player loses balance or falls off their float, they must take a sip before continuing.
- Variation: Introduce obstacles, like having to navigate around other players or inflatable toys, to make the race more challenging.
This game is perfect for those who love a bit of competition, with a good mix of balance and laughter as players struggle to stay afloat.
9. Scavenger Hunt: Pool Edition with Drinking Rewards
Turn your pool into a treasure trove with a drinking scavenger hunt. For added excitement, some hidden items could come with special challenges or extra drinking penalties!
- Game Setup: Players hide small, non-dangerous items around the pool area.
- Objective: Dive in and retrieve the hidden objects as quickly as possible.
- Drink Rule: Each time a player finds an object, they must take a sip of their drink.
- Variation: Some items can have special rewards or penalties attached, such as requiring the finder to perform a trick or take an extra drink.
Looking for some extra hunting fun by the spool? Try Hunting Ghosts, a free online game where you search for hidden ghosts, dodge tricks, and collect rewards. Whether you’re taking a break from your poolside scavenger hunt or just looking for some fun, Hunting Ghosts can be played anywhere, anytime, with friends or solo.
10.Shadowy Shark Attack: The Midnight Predator Game
Turn the lights down and let the hunt begin with Shadowy Shark Attack, a game that thrives in the mysterious ambiance of night. The darkness adds a layer of suspense and excitement, making it perfect for nighttime play.
- Game Setup: Choose one player to be the “Shark,” while the others spread out in the pool.
- Objective: The Shark must tag other players as they swim around in the dimly lit pool.
- Drink Rule: Tagged players must take a drink and become additional Sharks, increasing the difficulty.
- Variation: Introduce safe zones where players can avoid being tagged but must take a sip each time they enter. The game ends when only one player remains untagged.
This game adds an exciting chase element under the cover of darkness, perfect for late-night fun.
Swimming Pool Drinking Games Without Fancy Gadgets
Who needs fancy pool toys when you’ve got creativity, a fun-loving group, and a few drinks? These 10 swimming pool drinking games for adults are proof that you can turn any pool party into a memorable event without any equipment. From challenging relay races to hilarious variations on classic games, there’s something for everyone. So next time you’re planning an outdoor pool party, pick up a game, and turn it into a memorable event. Whether you’re sipping, splashing, or synchronizing, these games are sure to make your next pool day unforgettable!